Two months later, before delivering the keynote address at the Boy Scouts of America's 38th Annual Sports Breakfast in Denver on Wednesday, Manning was asked if the 43-8 demolition his team experienced was a "fluke."

"I don't really have a word for it," Manning said, according to a team transcript. "Obviously it was disappointing, and we'll use that to fuel us this offseason and hopefully it will make us better.

"I know the front office has addressed some offseason needs via free agency and of course the draft is coming up. It's up to the players to put in the hard work. ... That all starts Monday the 21st."